What do an Aerospace Engineer, PhD in Biochemistry to founder preventing fatal road accidents have in common? They’re Illume’s VC Fellows ‘24.
Illume’s VC fellowship exists to support founders who are preparing for fundraising paired with professionals and students who are keen to break into the Venture capital or Investment Career by giving them the hands-on experience to work on deals and build their investment thesis. This cohort, we were joined by entrepreneurs who are creating global and impactful startups while Masters and PhD graduates who showcased their intellectual curiosity, commercial prowess aspiring to enter the venture capital industry. Introducing our VC Fellows’ 24 From a startup that is helping the trucking industry to manage fatigue and compliance to a med-tech that is developing a device for early detection of respiratory complications with ICU patients. From a founder who is using his 15 years of experience in the Migration Industry to create technologically innovative identity verification and document authentication solutions to PhD researchers who are using their research to develop breakthrough technology to solve Climate crises. Paired with these founders were our analysts that come with professional backgrounds. From a Product Manager at a fast-growing Fintech to an industry veteran in Mindfulness; from a Data Science graduate to a graduate studying their CFA to a Graduate in Aerospace Engineering and PhD in Biochemistry, this cohort was an amalgamation of intellectual powerhouse. “These fellows show that the future of investing will rest not just on those with the Investment Banking background but those that are quick learners, can power through the deep research and possess founder empathy and network.” Laxmi Pun, Program Director, Illume. During the program, the fellows had the opportunity to work on their investment memo while the Investment analyst fellows worked with these founders to develop their investment research skills, presenting their thesis and role-playing with their investor hat on. In addition, the fellows have access to intimate fireside chats and panel sessions with founders and investors, candid and honest conversations to learn from people who have been in their shoes or aspire to be one. We’d like to thank our startup and venture fund guests who supported this cohort- Innovation Bay, Investible Fund, SVG Ventures, Everlab. “As a founder, I found this program, succinct yet effective way to prepare for fundraising. Creating a data room and what needs to go there and most importantly- WHY was a big win for me.” Navjeet Singh, Founder, AssureDoc. ” I am fortunate to be at the heart of India’s startup capital- Silicon Valley of India in Bangalore and I was looking for a global program to connect with founders and investors internationally, and I found that with the Illume VC Fellowship. As I embark on my MBA at INSEAD, I feel more confident and inspired to continue my VC journey.” Ruchita Kachhap, INSEAD and fintech professional. As these fellows embark to accelerate their fundraising or venture capital career, if you are investing or looking for analysts to support your investments, connect with us. If you’re a startup or aspiring VC talent- join our 6 weeks program to accelerate your fundraising or VC career.
